Cafe Opaline, Snack Taverna and Marys Off Jane

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Cafe Opaline, Snack Taverna and Marys Off Jane

Cafe Opaline which is located at 580 Madison on the 3rd floor of the musuem. Cool middle eastern menu in a swank minimal space overlooking Madison Ave. Had a mezze plate with excellent hummous, braised artichokes and a feta and tomato salad. All were excellent but super pricey at $12 and portions were minimal. Tried to add-on to the mezze order but was told the next level is an 8-selection mezze...no exceptions. Forgot to look at the price but Im sure I would have needed an ATM to afford it. Also had a spiced Moroccon Lamb Salad. Salad costs $15 and had about 2 oz of delciously spiced rare lamb. Again, fresh and delicious but I needed a takeout order of sushi to fill up after our $36 lunch. Ill leave Cafe Opaline to the "Ladies who Lunch".

For dinner last night...Snack Taverna. This place is legit. Simple space, rectangular shaped with cream colored walls, very dim lighting with candles flickering on each table, tin ceiling, Greek black and whites on the walls, seating is a bit cramped but felt cozy on a cold evening. Excellent Tzatziki to start ($6) with super-fresh pita. An $11 grilled octopus "small plate" cut into small strips and served with cucumbers and some kind of Yoghurt Sauce lining the edges of the plate. Excellent charred Octopus and the cuces worked well...the yoghurt seemed unneccesary to me but I was in no way turned off by it. For an entree we shared a lovely Tilapia ($19). A huge serving of 2x 4-6 oz filets, browned perfectly and salted nicely, resulting in a cripsy exterior and a tender and moist interior.The Tilapia was served on a mound of chopped green beans, tomatos and a few Lima Beans. The sauce on the bottom was definitely butter based, surprising for a Greek restaurant...but it all worked well. For a side, we had the Dandellion Greens which seemed to be sweetened with sugar, which I could have done without. Wine didnt really do it for me. My knowledge of Greek wine is nil, but my $10 a glass selection was poor. Regardless, Ill be back.

Desert at...Mary's off Jane. Delicious Devil's Food Cake with Butter Cream and all the baked goods looked to be slamming. I was eyeing the German Chocolate Cake and Carrot Cake in particular. Again, Ill be back.

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